By Hyacinth Nwafor
In a decisive move to fortify Nigeria’s border security architecture, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has strengthened its operational alliance with the Nigeria Police Force through a high-level strategic meeting aimed at dismantling smuggling networks operating along the Ogun border corridor.
The renewed collaboration came to the fore during a courtesy visit by the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police in Idiroko and the Border Patrol Commander to the headquarters of the Ogun I Area Command of the NCS.
According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, the engagement focused on deepening inter-agency cooperation and developing an all-inclusive policing framework to confront trans-border crimes and other forms of economic sabotage.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, noted that although the Idiroko border axis currently enjoys relative calm, sustaining the stability requires sustained intelligence sharing and well-coordinated joint operations.
Afeni stressed that effective border management demands collective responsibility among security agencies, urging officers of both the Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Force to operate as strategic partners rather than competitors in the field.
He further explained that the enhanced cooperation aligns with the operational vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose leadership continues to emphasise the pillars of collaboration, consolidation and innovation in securing Nigeria’s borders.
Also speaking during the meeting, the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police in Idiroko, ACP Adejumo Segun, reaffirmed the commitment of the police to strengthening the existing partnership with the Customs Service.
Segun emphasised that the safety of residents in border communities remains paramount, noting that the police would continue to provide tactical support to Customs officers in tackling illicit trade activities within the Idiroko–Igolo border corridor.
Afeni reiterated that intelligence exchange and coordinated field operations would remain central to the joint strategy, assuring that the command would continue to nurture robust partnerships with sister security agencies and other critical stakeholders.
The visit concluded with both agencies reaffirming their resolve to sustain the collaborative framework, a development widely seen as a significant step towards strengthening border security and promoting economic stability in Ogun State and the country at large.